San Antonio daily light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1886-1907, 1887-09-17

ed one arm round the slender girlish
about her head and face as he could
without impeding sight or respiration.
"No," he said, "the flames will soon
reach this. We will try our chance out
side, cara Signorina mia"
The heat was now, indeed, unendur-
able, and st. Maur opened the door Of
the box into the corridor.
Great Heavenl" he said between his
teeth, "the fire has burst through at the
stage and seized the roofing here"
And now sweeping onward, slowly
but surely-there was not a moment to
lose-he caught the Venetian up in his
arms and fled along the passage, with
the strength God gives to the desperate.
She clinging about his neck, but never
uttering one word, he reached the stair
case at the end, the flames roaring on
behind, he paused second to tighten
his hold Of his precious burden, and de-
scended rapidly, grimly lighted by the
glare from behind as well as the gas-jets
in the walls.
On, on, to a wider corridor, where the
breath of fresher air and louder sounds
from the crowd outside, gave blessed
warning of nearing some outlet, by
which haply hundreds had emerged be-
fore them. On, on, still; another wind
ing stair and gallery, and wide entry
giving on the courtyard and street.
There is wild cheer from the crowd
as he emerges and puts Leonora on her
feet again, still evidently too mufIled up
to be recognized by anyone who might
have known her.
At that moment an English voice ex-
claimed, as firm hand grasped his
arm
"Good Lord it's his honor himself,
bless himl We've got the boat close by,
my lord!"
"Jackl what has sent you, good fell
lows!" exclaimed Guy; lead on, then,
my man."
1t was a boat and several of his own
seamen from the "Sea Queen" who,
having leave ashore, had, Jack said,
pulled close up the canal nearest tolend
a hand at the burning theatre. They
had seen Mr.. Trevanian when they came
from the yacht.
st. Maur lifted his charge into the
boat, and stepping in, asked her
gently
"Where shall tax e you now, SignO-
rinar"-at the same time wrapping her
In boat cloak which lay in the stern
sheets.
"TO my uncle, the PalaZzo Casamina,"
she almost whispered, beginning to
feel the reaction after this terrible eX-
element and danger, ION the Grand
Canal"
AS the gallant Jacks gave way, and
the boat shot out, Leenora looked back
a moment, then at the man beside her.
you have saved my life, Signor," she
said, simply, putting her trembling
hand into his; tell me who you are,
that may pray to Heaven to reward
you"
Nay, dear SignOrina, l desire no
thanks for what it was happiness to do;
but still-my name is Guy st. Maur."
your men called you my lord; you
see | speak your language"
"YOu honor that language" he said,
smiling; "yes-I am Lord st. Maur."
She took his hand, and kissed it like
a child.
"You have saved my life" she said" Il
shall never forget you"
q hope not" he said, very low and
earnestly, "and I-shall see you again."
Did those words that time thrill her
heart as hers had thrilled his. Neither
spoke again until the boat reached the
steps of the Palazzo, and then they
found that the Count was safe and I'M
hurt, but frantic about his niece. No
entreaties of her could induce the young
noble to enter, he saw her safe, and re-
entered the boat.
Back, my men, to find Mr.. Frank"
he said.